Set to begin cleaning from Zadibal side from May 14
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 11: The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) today sought a volley of measures to be taken by the administration for ensuring that the water bodies are brought back to their pristine glory apart from rejuvenating the traditional navigation routes.
Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo who is heading the NLCO said that after mission Ehsaas, positive changes were seen on the ground and for the sustained result, there is a need for the administration to focus on several aspects for the rejuvenation of the water bodies.
“The dream is to see the Gilsar-Khushalsar lake basin stretched up to Saida Pora and make its stagnant water flow freely and restored to its pristine glory—for this the most important thing is dredging, demarcation of the boundaries, and removal of Radhs, muck, and solid waste,” he said.
He said that there is a need for continuous upkeep and cleaning of Nallah Amir Khan as maximum muck and garbage gets flushed through the stream along with clearing and cleansing the muck of other vital water channels like Pokhribal, Khojyarbal for free flow of water.
Wangoo also termed the restarting of the partially executed and suspended work of the peripheral sewerage scheme by UEED as key while underlining the need for setting up of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for desired results of sewage interception, diversion, treatment and subsequent connection of all drains to the STP apart from immediately stopping untreated drains emptying into the lake.
Those who are involved in the process said that the dredging at Pokhribal, landscaping its peripheries, and exploring it as a water sports activity arena will improve its aesthetic look and that the authorities need to take steps in this regard while pitching for restoration of chocked springs both in Khushalsar and Gilsar.
Over the period, the locals have also been underlining the need for building various recreational spots, like Shikara Ghat, parks, and kiosks and introducing water sports activities which will attract tourists.
“Proper solid waste collection and solid waste management programs for the awareness of the local population are the need of the hour,” NLCO said.
NLCO has also urged the authorities to assign a dedicated Water-master to these twin lakes which would help clear the muck, floating gardens, and other accumulated mass over the years along with fencing of boundaries, especially on the roadsides of Gilli Kadal Bridge and Nallah Ameer Khan to avoid littering.
Wangnoo said that he is hopeful that under the smart city project there is a hope that if the re-opening of these integrated water systems is initiated, the same could bring the almost dead waterbodies to their pristine glory.
Meanwhile, as a part of its sustained conservation efforts, NLCO is all set to resume the Phase -2 of Mission Ehsaas cleansing of Khushalsar from the Eastern Side (Zadibal) on Saturday
Follow our WhatsApp channel